John H

Pops is looking for a new set of wheels and his top choice is an E350. He's taken it out for a test ride and like the power (his current coach is a northstar powered cadi). He's been peppering me with questions about the options so I thought I would post here to see what actual users thought. He currently is thinking of get the Package 2 upgrade (most notable features are navigation, phone, heated seats, and xenon active headlights) and parktronic (he loves this in the cadi). BTW pops is in his 70s and puts on 15-20k miles per year.

I guess what I'm asking is, is there an option you wish you had added or is there one you have found to be of little use on your w211. He wants me to go to the dealership with him this weekend and I want to be able to provide some useful info besides "yeah, pops, get the e63". Thanks!

smb7420

considering his age he might want to get the illuminated entry(i think that may be standard or part of the appearance package), makes things easier to notice.
Most cadillac owners like wood wheels(benz has MUCH more wood on the wheel) he may be impressed. I think the P2 comes with a heated steering wheel, mine has one, actually useful, however it only heats the leather on my wood wheel. if he enjoys the heated wheel, then he may want an all leather one as it'll heat the entire wheel.
The auto temp. functions and lights should be his biggest enjoyment... most of the older crowd can't manage all the buttons.

ddskier

If you Dad is worried about Snow, I would go with the 4Matic as well. The AWD is awesome, and has gotten me thru numerious snow/rain storms without a hicup.

I would also go with the P2 and the sports packages. The looks, handling, and interior upgrades make it worth it.

Barry45RPM

Wood Wheel & Pkg 2 For sure! For an older guy, he will thank you the minute he goes out at night with the Bi Xenons lighting up the road. They are the BEST headlights I have EVER driven with. (Been driving since 1966) ...and he will love satellite radio.

John H

Thanks for all the advise so far! The tip about the steering wheel is great as it hadn't crossed my mind - I could see him reveling in that. Dad really isn't a "sport" kind of guy - I'll never forget how much he hated being a passenger in my super stiff (koni's, hd springs, big bars, 16" wheels, 3.5" drop) '65 hipo mustang. He thinks my e55 is too stiff which is almost a sofa by comparison.

BTW I should have mentioned that we don't have snow here and pops avoids it like the plague and would drive 100 miles extra to avoid it so no AWD needed - but thanks for the thought!

amdeutsch

Why not just simply go to MBUSA and build your own. There are too many changes in the options/packages across the years.

Germancar1

I was looking at your signature, you've got some collection there. Any pics?

M

Benz-O-Rama

Power trunk opener/closer

ddskier

Only have the CL600 posted..
Look at https://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-w216/174292-pic-my-cl600.html

I haven't had time to take other pics.

John H

Thanks for the reply! I've checked out the MBUSA site including the option list but unfortunately all they provide is a one paragraph blurb of each item. What I was hoping to find out here was the usefulness or value of the options from actual users. What did seem very odd to me is that the Sport package is a no cost upgrade which includes the bump to 18" wheels.

John H

Luv my trunk opener! That's a must have in my book and I believe it is standard equipment. But the closer is a $500+ option.

smb7420

I'd stray away from the sport package...

Black birdseye maple is okay, but its hard to notice...i think he'd like the traditional brown wood more(seeing as I know him so well)

i think they give you either high or low pro tires, they absorb less shock which means less of a smooth ride...which i and Cady owners are mostly fond off, also the tires will wear out faster...but let pops swing around in both sport and non-sport if they're available.

The color combo should matter alot to him, Alabaster White is definitely a plus for most, but a pain to keep clean. Cady's White Lighting is amazing, try obsidian black metallic for the E or other metallic paints to get something close to White Lighting...which...well i dont think mercedes comes close to making a color that is white but has a glistening, noticeable tone of blue.

Stone interiors are Very Nice
Have him take a look at Jags too...

squarepants

I knew I wanted the bluetooth before I went shopping and it has proven to be a wise decision. Nothing beats hands-free calling for safety and convenience.

I got the Voice Command because it was on the only black on black on the lot and the dealer threw it in at no charge to close the deal. I didn't really want it and thought I would never use it. I absolutely love it! Very easy to use and accurate as heck. Almost all my calls are made via VC which makes the system truly hands-free

John H

Thanks for all the help, everyone!

Unbeknownst to me, pop went back to the dealership yesterday and decided that the e350 just didn't have enough poop. So he took the e550 out for a spin and decided that's the one. They didn't have the colors he wanted in stock - red w/cashmere (not my favorites) - but they called this morning as they found one in LA.

We went down to the dealership today to go over the details. I wanted to make sure they didn't over/under sell him on the options & extras. The LA car they will ship up to SF has these options: package 2, wood wheel, parktronic, fold down, voice control & trunk closer. They cut about $2k off retail for an OTD price of $70,900. Hope that $$ is OK!

Anybody want to buy a 2000 DeVille cheap?

55fanatic

When I got my car I wanted some eye popping options... the first option I got was pano roof. This is not much different then a sunroof but def adds some elegance/wow factor to such a classic design on a car, in combination with the alabaster white the car now just POPS everywhere. Besides adds just an unmatchable experience of driving at night.

Sport package... Def worth it, better wheels, dual exhuast, nicer front look as well.

Next option I got was wood/leather wheel, I have it in my ML55 and like it a little sportier then the all leather.

Black Birdseye maple interior... gives a GREAT contrast to the stone interior

Trunk closer... well when we found the car I got, I was kinda dissapointed that it didnt have keyless go, but instead the trunk closer. This was my first *NEW* car and I was really hoping for a nifty keyless go... Once I saw trunk closer though... I cant live without it its one of those things you can live with out till you use one